Riyadh will host the Global Games Show 2026 on June 29–30, 2026, bringing together developers, publishers, investors, esports organizations, content creators and policymakers to explore the latest developments shaping the global gaming industry.
Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the two-day event is expected to welcome more than 10,000 attendees, alongside 100 exhibitors and sponsors and over 200 regional and international media representatives.
Gaming, AI and Web3 Take Center Stage
The conference agenda will examine the technologies and business models reshaping interactive entertainment, including game development, esports, Web3 gaming, content creation, digital publishing, monetization strategies and emerging technologies.
Sessions will also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain-powered gaming ecosystems and new approaches to player engagement and digital ownership.
Industry Leaders to Share Insights
The event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions led by executives and industry specialists from across the global gaming ecosystem.
Featured speakers include Elie Honain, Chief Executive Officer of NES; Majed Aleid, CIRO and Director at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA); Johnson Yeh, Founder and CEO of Ambrus Studio; Malak AlQhtani, CEO and Founder of Valar Club; and gaming creator Xzit Thamer, a PlayStation Playmaker collaborating with TikTok and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
From Technology Innovation to Business Growth
The first day of the conference will focus on technological innovation, including gaming engines, esports development, artificial intelligence and emerging concepts such as brain-computer interfaces.
The second day will shift toward the commercial side of the industry, covering investment trends, mobile gaming, creator economies, startup development, community building and collaboration between investors, developers and publishers.
Networking and Startup Opportunities
Alongside conference sessions, attendees will have access to product demonstrations, interactive technology showcases and dedicated business matchmaking activities designed to connect developers, publishers, investors, startups and esports organizations.
Startup studios will also have the opportunity to present new gaming projects and emerging technologies to potential partners and investors, supporting collaboration across the broader gaming ecosystem.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ambitions
Organizers say the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in gaming, esports and digital entertainment as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and strengthen its position as a regional technology and creative industries hub.
The Global Games Show will be held alongside the Global AI Show and the Global Blockchain Show, allowing participants to access all three conferences with a single ticket and encouraging collaboration across artificial intelligence, blockchain and gaming technologies.
Why It Matters
The global gaming industry continues to expand beyond entertainment, becoming an important driver of innovation in artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, cloud computing and digital economies. Events such as the Global Games Show provide a platform for developers, investors and technology companies to explore emerging trends while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading destination for gaming, esports and digital content creation in the Middle East.
